Cephalonia

Greece

Cephalonia Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts and 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin and the round three-pin.

Language

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.

Travel Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to
Greece, but visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are
advised to consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis.
Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for those
arriving from infected areas. A hepatitis A vaccination may be
recommended by some doctors for extended travel in rural areas.

Medical facilities in Greece vary: those in major cities are
excellent but many of the islands are some distance from a decent
hospital. For this reason, it is best to take along any
prescription medication you may require. Food and water are safe,
but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to
bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency
hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and
Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken
on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all visitors are advised
to take out medical insurance.

Tipping

A service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants in
Greece; it is best to see if this is the case before tipping. If no
service charge has been included, leave between 10 to 15 percent.
For drinks at cafes, round the bill up to the nearest euro. Taxis
expect change as do cloak room attendants and porters.

Safety Information

There is a safety risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and
visitors are urged to be vigilant in public places, including
tourist sites. Austerity strikes have taken place in the past and
have been widespread. These strikes can bring the country to a halt
- transport networks particularly suffer during strikes. Thus far,
strikes in Greece have inconvenienced travellers without turning
violent; however, tourists are advised to stay away from political
gatherings as there have been clashes between police and
protesters. Greece is otherwise considered a safe destination, but
the height of the tourist season does usually see an increase in
petty theft cases, particularly in crowded areas. Visitors are
advised not to carry valuables on them and to make use of hotel
safes for valuables. Do not display conspicuous wealth and make
sure your valuable possessions are not easily accessible to
pick-pockets. Violent crime is infrequent, but there have been
incidents on some Greek islands and lone visitors are advised not
to accept lifts from strangers.

Local Customs

Indecent behaviour is not tolerated and the police will not
hesitate to arrest or fine offenders. Some form of official
identification should be carried at all times.

Business

Business in Greece is conducted in a similar fashion to Italy or
Spain rather than their northern European counterparts. A formal
dress style is adhered to: dark, conservative suits for men and
women are best. Punctuality is not often practiced in Greece and
often hosts arrive late to meetings. A firm handshake with eye
contact is the norm for greeting men and women for the first time.
Business cards should be printed in both Greek and English,
although there is no ritual surrounding the exchange. Greeks like
to get to know their business colleagues before conducting any
serious business so don't expect to close a deal at the first
meeting. Greek culture adheres to a hierarchical structure and
respect should be shown accordingly. The giving of gifts is common
in social circumstances though not necessarily in business.
Business hours are generally 8.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm Monday to
Friday.

Communications

The international access code for Greece is +30. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). The city code for Athens is 21. Free wifi is
available at cafes, restaurants, hotels and other similar
establishments throughout Greece. Calls can be made from public
card phone booths and cards can be bought from kiosks. As
international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid
SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Duty Free

Travellers from non-EU countries do not pay duty when entering
Greece for 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g
tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol volume under 22 percent,
or 2 litres of dessert wine not exceeding 22 percent alcohol
volume, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer.

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